Monday, October 30, 2017

Solidarity Statement for South Korean Youth Peace Activists Denied Entry into the United States

Solidarity Statement for South Korean Youth Peace Activists Denied Entry into the United States

On Wednesday, October 25, 2017, fifteen South Korean youth activists were denied entry into the United States. Their delegation, Ban Trump’s Crazy action (BTC), was coming to the United States to protest Trump administration policies and proclamations toward North Korea – “fire and fury,” “totally destroy North Korea” - that are escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula and threatening a second Korean War.

But when they arrived at Incheon International airport, U.S. officials blocked their departure telling the youth their ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) was not valid and that they needed hardcopy visas issued by the U.S. embassy. They later discovered that their ESTA approvals had been canceled earlier that morning. One member of their group who had earlier left for the United States was stopped at JFK airport, held in detention without access to a telephone, and scheduled for deportation the next day.

After being blocked from entering the United States, the delegation immediately held a protest at the airport and then moved to the U.S. Embassy in Seoul for a press conference. As peace-loving youth, they expressed shock at having been banned from entry into the United States. Their intention was only to protest Trump’s escalation of tension in Korea through dance, song, and marching, and to meet U.S. citizens who share their desire for peace. “Why do you fear us, Trump? We are not terrorists. Lift the entry ban now!,” they proclaimed. BTC will continue to protest their ban at the U.S. Embassy and hold peace vigils until Donald Trump’s arrival in Seoul on November 7th.

*Stand with BTC *

As organizations and individuals who advocate open borders, freedom of speech, and peaceful resolution of international conflicts, we strongly protest the U.S. entry ban of the members of BTC and demand a full explanation for this action and immediate reversal of this decision. We also forcefully oppose the Trump administration’s escalation of tension with North Korea, fully support South Korean peacemakers mobilizing to protest Trump’s visit to their country and preparing for mass demonstrations on November 4th, and stand in solidarity with all people - Koreans, citizens of the United States, and others throughout the world - unconditionally committed to preventing a second Korean War.

People in U.S. standing for peace and no wars in the Korean Peninsula

Endorsing organizations: (alphabetical order)

About Face
Action One Korea, Los Angeles
Baltimore City Green Party
Brooklyn For Peace
Campaign for Peace, Disarmament and Common Security
Catholic Workers
Channing and Popai Liem Education Foundation
CODEPINK
Environmentalists Against War
Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space, National
International Action Center, New York
International Forum on Globalization, San Francisco
Korean American National Coordinating Council, inc
Korean Peace Alliance, Los Angeles
Nanum Corean Cultural Center, Los Angeles
Nodutdol for Korean Community Development, New York
Peace Action New York State
Peace Action Montgomery
Peace Action, National
Progressive Asian Network for Action, Los Angeles
RootsAction.org
Support committee for Korean prisoners of conscience in US
Task Force to Stop THAAD in Korea and US militarism in Asia and the Pacific, National
TLtC Justice & Peace Committee
United National Antiwar Coalition (UNAC), National
US Labor Against the War
Veterans For Peace - National
Veterans For Peace - NYC Chapter 034
World Beyond War

About Face
Action One Korea, Los Angeles
Baltimore City Green Party
Brooklyn For Peace
Campaign for Peace, Disarmament and Common Security
Catholic Workers
Channing and Popai Liem Education Foundation
CODEPINK
Environmentalists Against War
Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space, National
International Action Center, New York
International Forum on Globalization, San Francisco
Korean American National Coordinating Council, inc
Korean Peace Alliance, Los Angeles
Nanum Corean Cultural Center, Los Angeles
Nodutdol for Korean Community Development, New York
Peace Action New York State
Peace Action Montgomery
Peace Action, National
Progressive Asian Network for Action, Los Angeles
RootsAction.org
Support committee for Korean prisoners of conscience in US
Task Force to Stop THAAD in Korea and US militarism in Asia and the Pacific, National
TLtC Justice & Peace Committee
United National Antiwar Coalition (UNAC), National
US Labor Against the War
Veterans For Peace - National
Veterans For Peace - NYC Chapter 034
World Beyond War